Just received Invite to Testify...

[Former_Member]

...before the Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight regarding the CPSIA. What do you think? Has anyone else testified before Congress? What can I expect?

[Former_Member]

Wow.

I'd be scared out of my mind.

Good luck though!

[LaurieRyan]

To answer lots of questions. I don't think anyone is going to badger you so you won't need any shields in place

[JenTheTracy]

Good luck!

I'm on your side, knock 'em dead.

[Former_Member]

Wow good luck! This is very exciting! What a story you will have to tell later on :)

[Former_Member]

That's amazing! Wear a nice suit so you look good on CSpan ;-)

[Former_Member]

Fabulous! You will make a great impression. Be professional and not too serious that they don't want to listen to you. Grace with a slight smile. Like, glad to be here, but......Good Luck!

[Former_Member]

What a great opportunity to put a "real face" on this issue! So many times policies are considered in absence of any understanding of everyday issues and real people. Knock 'em dead!

[MomNMiaDesigns]

Call your local Congressman's office, ask to talk to a legislative aide for pointers.

[Former_Member]

Don't let the Congressional hearings that you see on television or in movies frighten you or give you false anticipations. You are not under investigation (like you see in the movies) but you are simply being asked to answer informational questions about how CPSIA effects you and businesses like yours. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to tell what needs to be heard directly to those who have the power to do something about it.

Be sincere. Tell it like it is and not what you think they want to hear. They are not there to intimidate you so just "try" to relax and talk with them. Most likely they are going to ask specific questions and you just need to answer them as they relate to your business.

You might want to do some research before you go to get some overall facts that can relate your experience with others of us who are facing the same problems.

Somehow you have already made an impression on them for you to be selected as representative of the issue they are examining. This is a good thing! And it is a very good thing that they are now ready to listen.

[Former_Member]

Congratulations! What a wonderful opportunity to put a face to the issues so many of us are facing with the implementation of CPSIA. Everyone has great tips so far, but I would like to add "Stay calm". We all need to remain rational and level-headed (no matter how badly we want to rant and rave ;D). A calm, collected demeanor will have a much more positive impact than someone who is hostile and angry, or extremely emotional. That is not to say you shouldn't be passionate about how this will affect you - just Stay Calm.

When are you expecting to testify? Let us know, and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Good Luck!!!

[Former_Member]

Wow, how did you get invited? Were you on a list of some sort, how what? Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Hey, me too!!! I'm trying to figure out how the heck to finance getting out to DC and staying one night. I'm really excited about it though!

:D

[Former_Member]

wow..sounds intense!

[Former_Member]

When you speak from the heart with honesty and integrity, in the name of justice, you can't go wrong! omg...sorry if that sounded cheesy, but I'm being sincere! Good luck with everything!

[Former_Member]

Congratulations! What a wonderful opportunity!
It seems to me that the math total in your listing http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19968866 and other activities has impressed someone!

It would be interesting to learn who sent out the invitations and how the decisions were reached but that is not as important as accepting the invitation.

[rakubuttons]

You might want to check this thread and convo the OP http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6076096

[SoapsSalvesSundries]

Awesome! If you can get out there, do it!

[PrishaJewels]

Good luck!!! I am sure you will be fantastic.

[NGHDesigns]

Wonderful!

I was a hill staffer years ago. All the basics have been well-covered in previous posts.

Don't expect the high drama of the Iran-Contra hearings. Guess I'm dating myself here...

Neither the members, nor their staffers bite. They just want to LEARN so do your best to be prepared. Hard statistics are always good, if you can gather & verify them in time.

Please let us know how it goes!

[Former_Member]

Keeping this thread going. Get your facts straigt and only say what you really know. Remember, you are not under investigation.

What an amazing opportunity.

[Former_Member]

NGH- SO should I forgo the Fawn Hall style hairdo then?

Thanks for all the input-- I'm a writer by trade so I'm actually looking forward to getting my testimony on paper.

I was invited by my Congressman-- who is the Chair of the Sub-Committee. My calls and emails to his office had gone unanswered-- so I button-holed him during a school fundraiser and after our chat he had promised someone from his office would get in touch with me. After 1 month I figured I would never hear back from him-- then I got the call this morning.

[Former_Member]

Wow, that's exciting. I've never testified so I can't help, but I'm curious about how it goes!

[SoapsSalvesSundries]

Here's what I'd do:

-Prepare a summary with all the points I want to bring up
-Include my sources, links to sites, etc to share
-Bring sample products
-Contact your local congressperson for help preparing (call, or it'll take ages for a response)
-Practice, practice, practice my responses so that I'm calm and cool when the time comes
-Dress professionally (a smart business suit or sweater and skirt combo)


But you sound like you already got some great advice!

[Former_Member]

Sounds like an AMAZING opportunity!